One of the popular 2023 NFL draft predictions for former Iowa Hawkeyes star edge rusher Lukas Van Ness came true on Thursday night.
The Barrington, Ill., native is off to Lambeau Field as the newest member of the Green Bay Packers. The 6-foot-5, 272 pound defensive lineman leaves Iowa City after racking up 19.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks over the past two seasons with the Hawkeyes.
Van Ness likely cemented his status high atop the board with his strong NFL Combine showing. The former Hawkeyes impressed with a 4.58 40-yard dash, a 7.02 3-cone drill, 4.32 20-yard shuttle, a 1.64 10-yard split and a 31-inch vertical leap. In short, he flashed the quick twitch and athleticism NFL scouts were looking for.
Now, he gets to celebrate his hard work paying off as one of the highest-drafted players in the Kirk Ferentz era. The Butkus Award winner wasn’t far behind him on the draft board either.
Hawkeye linebacker Jack Campbell was selected with the No. 18 pick by the Detroit Lions. Combined with Van Ness’ landing spot in Green Bay, it means that Iowa had a pair of defensive players taken in the first round for the first time in school history.
It was a historic night for Iowa and an awesome night individually for Van Ness. Social media reacted to Van Ness’ arrival in Green Bay.
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